Chapter 8

Brian woke up a little stiff from the activity the night before.  “Damn, I’m getting old,” he mumbled as he sat on the edge of the bed.  Then he thought about the night they shared and he decided it was well worth the discomfort. Justin slid up behind him and moved his hand from Brian’s shoulders and then under his arms to rest on his pecs. He ran his tongue down below his ear lob.

“I love you,” Justin whispered softly.

“I know you do.  I love you, too, but right now I think we need to shower and then get our son ready for court.  I know he will just be talking with a therapist and it is someone trained for this.”

“Yes.  Melanie said Aiden would be interviewed and while that happens she will talk to the judge about what was discovered and the judge may call Seattle to verify some of it.  If it wasn’t for the time difference we would probably be done by noon but it will be this afternoon before he can state his decision.”

As they talked they walked to the shower.  Once they finished they dressed and went to check on their boys.  Justin held up his hand as Brian walked up behind him and put his finger to his lips.

“This is the perfect shirt, Aiden.  This is one of my favorite ones.” Gus’ voice came from the slightly opened door.

“That’s probably because you gave it to me.” Aiden’s cheery voice said.

“Well, I want my little brother to be as fly as I am,” Gus commented.  

Brian and Justin could hear what they thought was Gus helping put the shirt on.

“Gus, I’m a little scared. I don’t know what I am supposed to do today.”

Brian and Justin heard more movement in the room and peeked in to see Gus sitting with Aiden on his lap.  “You know, Aiden, you just have to be honest and I don’t know if I can come in with you but Cass or I will always be outside the door, alright? Our dads might have to be somewhere else in the building but Cass and I will be as close to you as we can.” By now Brian had wrapped Justin in his arms.  

“I love you, Gus.”

“I love you, too, Lil’ Bro.”  

Now Brian and Justin made their presence known.  “You two are looking good.” Brian said, still draped around Justin.  “What do you think of going out to breakfast? We have plenty of time and that way we don’t have to worry about cleaning up.”

“Can I have French toast?” Aiden asked.  “With bacon? And strawberries?”

“Sure you can.  Pancake House here we come.” Justin picked up Aiden and carried him down the stairs.

“Daddy, I can walk by myself.”

“I know but pretty soon you will be too big for me to carry.”

Brian and Gus followed.  Brian draped his arm around Gus’ neck, “You know if I had had a big brother like you, I would be such a better person.” 

“Dad, I’m sorry you had such a shitty life.” 

Brian kissed his cheek, “Damn, I love you.”

Cass was waiting for them downstairs and the five of them left for their day.

An hour later they sat at a table full of empty plates, glasses, and cups. “Well, I think it is time to get going.” Justin said after looking at the time on his phone. “Aiden, we heard Gus say he was going to be as close as he can during your appointment.  Is that Ok with you so Big Daddy and I can be near the judge’s office?”

“That’s fine, Daddy.  I’m fine if Gus is nearby. Oh, and Cass.”

Cass smiled over to him, “I have no place I would rather be than with the two of you.” She put up her hand and he high-fived with her. 

Soon Brian and Justin had Aiden checked in and, although it probably wasn’t necessary, they were glad Gus and Cass were waiting for Aiden.  In case he needed them, they were there.  

Aiden held Gus’ hand as he walked down the hall to a playroom.  Gus got on one knee and looked at Aiden, putting his hands on his shoulders.  “You know where Cass is waiting? One of us will always be there if you need us so that is only a couple seconds away from you.”

“I’m good, Gus. You can go talk to Cass.” Gus kissed his cheek and then stood and looked at the woman who was the therapist, “We will be right down the hall if he has any problems.”

“I understand this bright young man has some health issues. If I have any questions I will ask,” she assured Gus.

“Thank you.” Gus felt comfortable leaving Aiden with this woman.  He was nearby and he knew Aiden would come get him if he didn’t feel safe or started feeling sick.  All this stress wasn’t good for him.  Gus walked down the hall and sat down next to Cass. “He’ll be fine.” Cass knew Gus was trying to convince himself of that statement.

Cass didn’t say anything but took Gus’ hand and they sat silently.   

Brian and Justin met Mel at the judge’s office.  Mel had given the judge the documents from Seattle.  She had already spent time reviewing the details with him and now the judge’s assistant was checking on the details of it and they all knew, although they probably could check some of it on files they had access to, they wouldn’t be able to talk to anyone for at least two hours on the west coast.

Brian and Justin sat down on a bench while Melanie went to check on something for another case.  “I haven’t seen Clampet and Dak this morning,” Justin commented.

“I am guessing they were told to come in later this morning since Aiden had this appointment this morning and there really wasn’t any other reason for them to be around.  Which is really a good thing since the  judge’s office was researching some things.”

“At the beginning of the evening last night I almost felt a bit sorry for Dak.  It doesn’t seem to have any friends and I know he doesn’t really have a family.  But as dinner continued, I started to feel the digs and as he left the comment about Seattle was definitely a turn of the knife in my heart.”

Brian had draped his arm around Justin’s shoulder and then pulled him closer, kissing his temple.  “I think what Cal sent will…” Brian stopped talking as Mr. Clampet walked up.

“Do you have any idea what’s going on? The judge called me in but said to come alone.”

“Clampet, I think you are a good guy but I can’t fill you in.  I am sure the judge will fill you in.”

“I want you to know Mr. Daklin’s true character has been creeping out since we arrived.  Mr. Taylor, I don’t know what he said to you as we left last night but I can assure you if I knew he was going to do that, I would have stopped him, or tried to.”  Justin and Brian stood and offered their hands to Mr. Clampet,  He shook both of them. “It is so obvious how much you love both your sons and how much they love you.  A true loving father would not want to disrupt Aiden’s life.  I want you to know that I told him he should ask for a weekend quarterly and that they would take place in Pittsburgh or in a place you agree on so that you are close by.”

“Thank you, Mr. Clampet.  My source was right about you. You are a good man.”

“You can’t give me a clue as to what your source found? It would be nice to know before the judge lays it out.”

“Has he told you how he made his money?”

“He just said he did well at one of his jobs. There was no reason for me to check into it once his payment cleared.  And just to let you know, I do my share of pro bono cases but this wasn’t a pro bono case.”

“Well, I hope you have gotten most of your money out of him. I have a feeling he may have some of his assets frozen soon, at least while authorities out there do a little more investigation.” Brian commented.

“You have me curious but I am heading to the judge’s office now. I am guessing he will explain it to me.” Mr. Clampet  said. “Thanks for giving a bit of a head’s up.”  He moved down the hall and knocked on the judge’s door.

Gus and Cass had each taken alternate breaks so one of them was always there in case Aiden finished up.  Cass walked into the office where Gus was still waiting for Aiden.  She knew the look on his face.  He hadn’t left the room and he needed to stretch.  “Go take a short walk.  I’ll wait for him.  You know this is a good sign.  If they had come for you right away it would mean he was stressed.”

“I know.  I just feel so helpless through all this.  I am his big brother and I am supposed to…” he stopped talking and Cass reached out and put her hand on his chest over his heart. Just as he laid his hand on top of Cass’ hand he heard something behind him and he knew the little feet he heard was Aiden.  He leaned down and scooped him up, resting him on his hip.  Aiden whispered something to Gus and he turned to Cass. “Could you take him to the restroom while I talk to the therapist?”

“Come here, Big Guy.  We will meet Gus back in the hall.” Cass carried him out of the room.

Gus turned to face the therapist, “It’s Gus, isn’t it?”

“Yes, mam.”

“Your brother is a delight.  I don’t know if I have ever met a more well adjusted child. He is wise beyond his years and yet he knows how to be a kid. I will send my report to the judge in a few minutes. I am not saying your brother couldn’t handle being away from his family but it is obvious that he loves his home and those in his life love and protect him.” She saw the serious look on Gus’ face. “Don’t worry, Gus, even if Mr. Daklin gets some visitation, I will not recommend him being removed for any amount of time from your family. That would be detrimental to your brother.”

“Thank you.  That is great news.  I better go and check on my dads and see if they have seen the judge yet today.”  Gus rushed out of the room and down the hall where Aiden and Cass were waiting.

“I texted Brian and he said we should just wait here.  They expect to be down in a few minutes but they were just asked to go see the judge.”

“Gus, can we go out on the steps? I’m tired of being in this building.” 

“Sure! Cass, could you text Brian and tell him where we are?” 

“Done, let’s tie your jacket, Aid, and go play outside.”

Brian and Justin walked into the judge’s chambers. “Gentlemen, please take a seat.” The judge opened a bottle of water and sat down behind his desk. “I am sure you saw Mr. Clampet come and go today.  I wanted to make sure he had no idea how Mr. Daklin came into his wealth. I believe he was telling the truth and had no idea about any previous activity of his client.  I had the police email me the documentation that just came to light and shows that your ex made his money by blackmailing his former boss who he knew was involved in illegal activity.”  The judge looked from Justin to Brian.  “When he gets back to Seattle, he will be under investigation and may be arrested.”  The judge’s email sounded and he stopped talking as he read it.  “It looks like the child therapist has nothing to say but positive things about your son and your family in general.”  Both Brian and Justin sighed in relief. “I told Clampet to be back with Daklin here at 1:30.  Would it be possible for you to be back around 1:15 so I can meet with your sons for a few minutes.  I would rather not have you in the room but I am told your sons are close so if Gus can come with him, will he be comfortable?”

Brian and Justin assured him that would be fine and they would be back at 1:15 before they left the office.  Once in the hall, Justin turned to Brian and kissed him.  “I understood that all, didn’t I? He basically threw the case out and Dak isn’t going to be able to try again?”

“Yes, Justin, I think the judge just threw it all out and will be telling Dak he’s in trouble.”  Together they rushed down the steps and found the boys and Cass on the front steps of the courthouse. 

Aiden ran over and hugged both his dads. “Hey dads, what are we going to do now?”

“We are going to find some lunch. What is everyone hungry for?” Brian said as he picked Aiden up. 

“I want mashed potatoes,” Aiden said.

“Dad, the diner isn’t far from here.  They would have mashed potatoes.”

“That is a great idea.” Brian looked at his phone and made a call.  “What’s the special?” they heard him say. Pause. “Great, we are coming with five adults and one child.  Can you have it ready for us in about 10 minutes?” pause. “Perfect, see you then.” He dropped the phone in his pocket and looked at his family.  “Let’s go.  They will have five meatloaf dinners waiting for us.”

“And if I didn’t want meatloaf?” Justin smiled up into Brian’s face.

“You’ll eat it anyway!” Brian smacked Justin’s ass.  Aiden giggled.

“Ya, Daddy.  We are all eating what Big Daddy ordered!” Aiden giggled as he climbed into his booster seat.  

When they walked into the diner, Debbie saw them and pointed to the back booth.  Before they even got comfortable their plates were set in front of them along with a sixth dish.  “I hope you don’t mind if I join you.  I am off the clock.”

“Of course, Debbie.” Brian said and introduced Cassandra.  Debbie fawned over Aiden and Aiden flirted right back.  “Debbie, Gus said you are moving?”

“We are.  Carl and I bought a duplex.  No more steps.  No more noisy plumbing.”

“You deserve it, Debbie.

“Did you look through the box I sent home with this handsome one?” she pointed to Gus. 

“It has been a bit crazy but the next free Saturday or Sunday, I plan to.”

“I just thought if you wanted some of them you should have a chance.”

They continued chatting.  Cass fell in love with Debbie and her crazy antics.  Debbie attempted to get them each a piece of pie but Brian stopped her, “How about a small dip of ice cream.  We have to be back at the courthouse soon.”

Each received a small sundae and soon they waddled out of the diner, assuring Debbie they would call when they were done at the courthouse and that once she was moved they would come for dinner.

Once in the car, Gus spoke up, “So I am going into the judge’s chambers with Aiden?”

“Do you mind?” Justin asked him.

“No, not at all. Do I need to say something or not say something?”

“No, Gus, just be honest.  He is mainly going to talk to Aiden but the judge wanted Aiden to feel comfortable.”

“Ok, I can do that.” 

Fifteen minutes later Gus and Aiden were sitting in the outer office of the judge waiting for him to return.  “Gus, are you scared?”

“No, Little Bro.  I know everything will be fine.  Once we talk to the judge, Cass will take you home and our dads and I will be home in a little while.”

“But I want to stay here.  I want to hear what the judge says.” Aiden sat on his knees with both hands on one of Gus’ shoulders.

“We will see what the judge says, Ok? And we will follow his directions?”

“Sure, Gus.  I will do what the judge says.”

When the secretary sent the boys into the judge’s office Gus took Aiden’s hand and they walked in together.

“Good Afternoon,” the judge said as they sat on the chairs facing him. “Did you have a nice lunch?”

Aiden said, “We ate at Liberty Diner with our friend Debbie.  She gave us meatloaf and mashed potatoes.”

“Debbie is still working there? When I was a young lawyer I ate there often.”

“Debbie tiring soon but she still owns it.”

“So she is finally retiring. I know she married an acquaintance of mine.  I’m glad she is finally going to be free to enjoy herself.

“I think she enjoys herself.  She laughs a lot and loud,” Aiden said.

The judge had to laugh at that.  “It is good to hear she hasn’t lost her love of life.” The judge chatted with Aiden a little bit and then he turned to Gus.  “Young man, is there anything you would like to tell me about your brother and your family?”

“Well, sir, it was just a year ago that I was traveling with the wrong crowd.  I started drinking and doing things I shouldn’t do.  I was living with my moms and they were going through some stuff of their own but my dads insisted I come live with them and they showed me why what I was doing wasn’t good and they got me some help.  Now I visit my moms but I live with my dads.  Aiden is a great Little Bro and my dads take good care of him all the time, too.  I just can’t imagine living with anyone else other than my dads and Aid.”

The judge caught himself getting emotional.  “Well, I am not going to make you wait any longer.  There will be no visitation or custody of any kind between Aiden and Mr. Daklin.  Is that alright Aiden.”

“That’s perfect.  Mr. Dak was Ok, but he isn’t my daddy.”

“No, and I am fairly sure you will never have to go through this again. Gus, if you would like to take your brother home now, feel free.  I will go tell your dads and your mother what my final decision is.  And Gus, I know your mom is Melanie and I am glad she moved past her issues too.”

Gus and Aiden moved out into the hall and without thinking about it, Gus hugged and then kissed Cass. When he realized what he had done he stepped back and moved a little bit away from her.

“You must have heard some good news,” Cass said, cheeks flushed. 

“The judge says it is over. All that’s left is the formal final decision.  He told us about it so I think I will leave with you. Aid, you go with Cass.  I will catch up as soon as I text our dads and get a response.”  Gus texted Justin and Justin said, “See you at home.”

Brian, Justin, and Mel sat together while Dak and Clampet sat across the aisle. The judge walked in and sat behind his desk. “This should only take a few minutes.  I just talked to Aiden and Gus.  They are amazing boys and both very well adjusted and loved kids.  In a family court I seldom find such well adjusted families.  I am not sure I have ever found people that love each other so much.  And Mr. Daklin, I have received some new information, which I have already disclosed to both lawyers.  Mr. Daklin, it appears that you gained your wealth and retirement under illegal means.  You will not be receiving custody or even visitation.  Mr. Clampet has agreed to escort you back to Seattle airport where the police will meet you and take you in for questioning.”

The judge stood and looked from Dak’s table and back to Brian, Justin, and Mel.  “Go home and celebrate.  That child is yours and yours alone.  There will not be a reversal of custody ever.”  With that the judge walked out and they were dismissed. 

One of the court officers walked up to Dak and with Clampet following, led them out to a waiting car.  Brian and Justin followed them out the door.  Mr. Clampet saw them on the steps and came back up to them.  He extended his hand to Justin and then Brian.  “I feel I owe you an apology.  I am sorry that I didn’t dig a little deeper before accepting the story and then invading your life.”

“Oh, if you ever need someone to help you with research I will send you the name of my researcher.  I think you two could have a good working partnership.”

“I will call him when I get back. If you ever need anything in Seattle, please contact me.”

With that, Clampet got in the front seat of the car leaving the very upset Dak in the backseat of the car.

Justin looked at Brian, “I guess we need to get a taxi or uber to go home.”

“When I messaged Cynthia with the good news, I asked her to send the office Town Car.  It should be here soon.”

“I texted Mom and Molly, too.  I figured you had texted Ted and he would get Victor.” Justin turned and hugged Brian, “I can’t believe we don’t have to worry about Dak anymore.”

“Why don’t we see if we can fly somewhere with the boys tomorrow for a long weekend.  I know we have to be at work Monday but we could have part of Friday, all of Saturday and Sunday morning somewhere.”

“Where should we go?” Justin was excited.

“Well, what do we want to do? You could go to Savannah, GA or Florida somewhere.”

“Brian, let's go to the ocean.  Let’s go to New Hampshire or Massechutesetts.  Just the four of us.”  The car pulled up and Brian told the driver to stay in the car while he opened the door and Justin jumped in, followed by Brian. 

Brian gave the driver their address and then kissed Justin.  He pulled out his phone and called Cynthia. Moments later he had hung up and he said, “She will get us airline tickets and says she has a perfect place.”

“Where is it?” Justin asked Brian.

“Can it be a surprise?”

“I would love that.” Justin pressed his torso against Brian and it was a good thing they arrived home when they did since there was no dividing window in this car.

They walked into the house and heard a cork pop.  “Champagne?” Justin looked at Brian.

“I didn’t know we had that in the house?”

“Not champagne.”  Gus said as he walked into the entry.  “Sparkling grape juice.  It all tuned out, right?”

Justin hugged Gus, “Yes, he won’t try that again!”

The three of them walked in to see four glasses filled with the grape juice while Aiden held the bottle up to his lips, giggling. Cass handed out the glasses and they all toasted to their win. Before Brian set his glass down his phone sounded.  He pulled it out and looked at the text. “Cass, do you plan to be around this weekend?”

“Ya, I have a paper to finish. What’s up?”

“Well,” Brian looked over to the boys, “How would you like to go somewhere really cool tonight?”

The boys and Justin said, “Tonight?”

“I just got a text.  We need to be out of the house in 40 minutes to catch a plane.  Gus, it will be chilly.  You need sweatshirts, sweaters, and jeans.  Oh, and your blue jacket.” Brian said as he turned to Cass, “So you can watch GC?”

“Not a problem.”

“Dad, where are we going?” Aiden asked Justin.

“I don’t know except it is by the ocean. Come on, Aiden, let’s go pack.”

They all headed up the steps.  Justin looked at Brian, “Can you pack for Aid while I get his meds ready?”

“I’m on it.  Aid, what sweatshirt and sweater do you want?” Brian walked into Aiden’s room with him while Justin pulled out Aiden’s travel bag that they use for his medications. He started putting supplies into it but then froze and dropped onto the mattress.  

Five minutes later, Brian was right outside of the door saying, “Aiden, you can put as many toys and books as you can fit into your bag.” Brian walked in and saw Justin sitting on the end of the bed with his head in his hands softly sobbing.  He rushed to him and took him in his arms. “Baby, what is it? What’s wrong?”

“He’s safe.  He’s ours.  He isn’t going anywhere.”

“He is, sweetheart, and we are taking a flight soon so we need to get moving.” Brian kissed him and pulled him up. “Pack some warm clothes but don’t bother with sleepwear.” Brian’s hand slipped down Justin’s pants.  “I want to see and feel every inch of you.”

“Come on you two!  I thought we had to be ready to leave and you’re standing around groping each other. I don’t need my passport, do I?”

“Not this time,” Brian said as he pulled down a couple duffel bags. 

“Dad, do we need our swim trunks?” Gus asked.

“I honestly don’t know.  Grab them, there may be a hot tub.”

Gus retreated and ten minutes later they all stood in the front entry and Ted was parked in front with Raymond as co pilot.  They threw the bags in the back seat and everyone piled in.  “Thanks, Ted.  We really appreciate this.”

“No problem, glad to do it.  We are all so happy for you.”

“Uncle Ted, do you know where we are going?” Gus asked.

“If he does, he isn’t going to tell you.”  Brian said.  “But, Ted, isn’t the airport the other direction?”

“It is but Victor and I wanted to add to your celebration so Vic called a friend who owns a plane and you are taking a private plane to your destination.”  Ted pulled into a small airport on the edge of the city.  Once they were all out of the SUV Aiden and Raymond hugged and Ted picked Ray up as they watched the door shut and a few minutes later it started taxiing down the runway.

“Daddy T, do you think I will ever ride in a plane?”

“I am hoping you will when we go to our cabin at Christmas but if you are with your mom, we will definitely fly somewhere  next year.”

“Daddy T, I love you.” As the plane took flight, so did Ted’s heart.  The only thing better than this was the first time Victor had said that.  This wounded little boy was healing.  He couldn’t wait to tell Victor.

“Are you going to tell us where we are going?” Gus asked.

“It is off season but we are going to Martha’s Vineyard.”

“Who’s Martha?” Aiden asked.

They all laughed.  “It isn’t a person, it is an island,” Gus said.  

Aiden’s lip quivered. “Are you all laughing at me?”

Gus reached for his brother and pulled him close. “We aren’t laughing at you Aid.  We are just so happy we don’t have to worry about Dak that we can’t not be happy.”  

Aiden crawled onto Gus’ lap.  “I love you, Gus.”

“I love you, too, Little Bro.”  Aiden curled up against Gus’ chest and within moments he was asleep. Gus pressed his lips to the top of Aiden’s blond hair, such a contrast to his own dark curls. Whispering, he softly repeated the words, “I love you, too, Aiden.”

Justin kissed Brian.  “He is going to be an amazing father someday.”

“Hopefully in the very distant future.” Brian pulled Justin onto his lap and slipped his hand between Justin’s thighs and began to massage his crotch gently.  

“Damn, that feels good.  How much time do we have in the air?”

“Over an hour. Let’s go to the bedroom.” Brian stood and took Justin’s hand. Brian looked down at the boys and opened his mouth but he was stopped.

“I just don’t want to hear it.  Do what you have to do but remember your children are out here.”

Brian reached down and ruffled Gus’ curls and gently patted his cheek as they passed the boys.  Justin bent and kissed Gus’ cheek before he followed Brian into the small room. Before the door was in the latch Brian had Justin’s hard cock out of its pants and after laying Justin down he quickly loosed his own zipper and Brian took Justin in his mouth while his own cock was dangling just above Justin’s mouth. Brian began to move up and down taking Justin deep in his mouth while he lowered his cock into Justin’s mouth.  It wasn’t long before Justin came deep in Brian’s throat and then, when Justin dragged his teeth gently over Brian’s cock Brian lost control over the feel of the teeth and tongue. 

Brian dropped to the side and Justin turned so they were face to face.  “That was one way to keep us both quiet.” Justin looked into Brian’s eyes. “This is the perfect way for our family to celebrate.  All we need is the four of us on a deserted island.”

“I hate to tell you, love, but Martha’s Vineyard, although quiet this time of year is not deserted and knowing our oldest son, he will be looking for his own partner soon and I don’t mean JR, although I do hope that happens.  It is a great way for Gus to know what it feels like to be with a man and a great way for JR to feel secure for his first time.”  

Brian pulled Justin in for a kiss just as the pilot came on the intercom.  “Please take your seat and buckle up.  We will be landing in 20 minutes. It might be a bouncy landing but it is safe.”

It was raining hard when they landed but a car was waiting for them and the driver backed the car up to the plane then had an umbrella over them as they walked the short distance to the limo.  It was dark and all of them were getting hungry.  They had a few things to nibble on on the plane but they all were ready for a meal.

After they were in the car Brian asked if there was a good restaurant on the way to their rental.  “There is a great little place.  It isn’t fancy but has great lobster po’boys and if you like onion rings there is no place better.”

“That sounds great!” Justin said, “Will you wait or pick us up later?”

“I think I will grab a sandwich myself so you can take as much time as you like.  And you don’t have to worry, I don’t drink anything stronger than ginger ale.”

He pulled up in front of a small cafe and Brian picked up Aiden and they all rushed inside. In no time at all Aiden had lobster mac and cheese while the others had the suggested sandwich with a family size basket of onion rings for them to share. They invited the driver to join them and as they munched on the last of the onion rings, Aiden crawled up on Justin’s lap and fell asleep.

“We probably should get him to the house.  It has been a very long day for him and it has been a stressful couple weeks.” Justin snuggled his son close. 

“You have a great family,” the driver said as he walked out to the car with them.  “If you need a driver this weekend please give me a call and if you don’t need a ride and just have a question, give me a call.  “Oh, and in case you haven’t heard, there's a storm moving on shore before daylight.  It isn’t going to be a threat but the temperature is going to drop.  I did deliver the food you asked for. I refrigerated what needed to be and left the rest on the counter.  Please call if you need something.”  He pulled into the drive.  “You don’t have much baggage.  You all go in and get that little guy settled.  I will set your bags inside the door before heading home.”

Brian pulled out a couple bills and handed them to the man.  “Thank you for taking such good care of us.”

“Anytime.” He shook Brian’s hand and patted Justin’s shoulder as they entered the house before returning to the car he pulled the bags out of the trunk and then set them in the house before driving away.

“Look at this place.” Gus walked directly to the back of the house where it looked out over the ocean.  “I can’t wait to see it in the morning.” He heard the door close.  “I’ll bring the bags up.  You get Aid settled.” Brian kissed Gus’ head as he walked past and led the way while Justin carried Aiden up the steps. 

“I think this is the one we thought would be best for him.  I feel a little weird putting him in a strange bed where he won’t even know where our room is.”  Justin said softly.

“Dad, put him in my room.  I will sleep with him.”

“Are you sure, Gus? There are plenty of bedrooms,” Brian said.

“Put him in my room.  It’s down there, right?”

“Yes,” Justin smiled at his oldest son. “Thank you.”  

Brian and Justin tucked Aiden in one of the beds in Gus’ bedroom and then went back down to the great room.  They looked for Gus and then realized he was standing out on the deck, wrapped in a blanket, looking at the ocean. Brian stepped out to Gus. He took the blanket from him and put the blanket around his shoulders and then enfolded Gus in his arms so they were both warm.

“How are you doing, son? You had a busy, stressful day and have dealt with everything amazingly.”

“Dad, I was scared.  Our family just wouldn’t have been the same if…” Gus turned into Brian’s arms and laid his head on his chest. Brian held him tightly.  After a couple moments a gust of wind rustled the blanket and then they felt the first rain drop. 

“Let’s go in.”

“Dad, let me keep the blanket.  I’ll be there in a couple minutes.”  

Brian wrapped the blanket around him.  “I’ll save you some hot chocolate.”

“Dad?”

“Ya, Gus?”

“Just thanks for being my dad. I’ve been thinking about JR and Raymond and then Aid and that asshole Dak.  I really scored with you and Dad. I love you both.”

“We love you, too, Gus, more than you can know.”  Brian stepped into the house and went directly into Justin’s arms and kissed him.  “Damn, that kid gets me every time,” Brian said as Justin wiped the tears off his cheeks.

“I promised him hot chocolate.”

“Well, the milk is warming on the stove right now.”

“Is there a shot of bourbon or something to add to ours?”

“We asked him to pick up a bottle so there should be some around here.” Brian found the bottle just as  Gus walked in.

“It is getting really windy and cold out there.” Gus’ whole body shivered.

“Well, you are just in time for hot chocolate.  Bri, can you check the fridge for whipped cream?

Brian came back with a can of whipped cream and put a large shot of it on top of Gus’ cup. “That looks great.  I am going to take this with me and fill that big bathtub full of water and warm up. Goodnight, Dads.  This place is amazing.  I can’t wait to see it in the daylight.”  Gus kissed both of them and moved out of the room.

Brian and Justin each carried their cups toward the fireplace. They sat on the rug near the gas flames leaning against the sofa. They sat there silently sipping the chocolate. After several minutes Brian looked out the glass door.  “The lightning is moving closer.  It’s hard to tell over the water how long it will be before it arrives but it is beautiful right now.”

“I’m glad we came tonight.  I don’t know if we would have made it out here tomorrow.  Suppose we will have to stay a couple extra days?” Justin set his empty mug down and ran his tongue along Brian’s jawline. Within seconds, Brian had Justin laying on the rug with hands sliding under his shirt.

Gus slid into the warm foaming water.  The jetted tub filled the room with the scent of lavender.  “Damn,” he said softly, as he wondered why he didn’t take a bath more often.  He had turned the lights of the bath off and turned on the fireplace before getting in the water.  Who had a fireplace in their bathroom? Well, he did for the weekend. There were windows looking out over the bay and he watched the storm roll in.  He picked his phone up and, unsure why, he called Cass.

“Gus, is everything good? I heard Martha’s Vineyard was going to get heavy rain tonight.”

“Hey, Cass.  We’re all good.” Now that he had her on the phone he didn’t know what to say. “How’s GC?”

“Gus, did you call me because of your dog?”

“No...I....I shouldn’t have called. I…this place is really cool.”

“Gus, you can talk to me.”

“Cass, I’m glad you were there today. I… why can’t I be older.  I wish we could…”

“Gus, it just isn’t possible not now.  Maybe in five or ten years, but not now.”

“Would you wait for me?”

“Gus, I can’t.  It just isn’t fair for either of us.  You need to move on.  Where are you, Gus?”

“I’m in the bathtub with a fireplace.”

“Damn, is there room for me?” Gus felt his cock twitch.

“Oh, fuck, Cass there is all kinds of room for both of us.”

“I’m sorry, Gus, I shouldn’t have said that.  I should go.  I need to let GC in.”

“Cass, will you sleep in my bed? I just want to know that you are there.”

“I will, Gus.  I will see you Sunday.  Goodnight, Gus.”

“Good night, Cass.” Gus ended the call and laid the phone to the side.  “I love you.” he said softly.  When he got home it was time to find a girl.  He was never going to get over her if he didn’t find someone. Their relationship ended well over a year ago so she had to move on and so did he. Gus got out of the tub and dried off and after slipping into a pair of short he went back into the bedroom.  He looked at the queen sized bed and then over at the single bed where Aiden was sleeping.  He moved across the room and picked Aiden up.

Aiden stirred, and his eyes fluttered open.  “Gus?”

“I thought you might share my bed with me.”

“I’d love that, Gus,” he said, already nearly asleep as Gus laid him down and then stretched out next to him. He immediately curled into his big brother and Gus draped his arm over his brother and then fell asleep himself.

After about half an hour, Brian and Justin lay naked on the rug with a blanket pulled over top of them.  “Let’s go upstairs.  I want to make love with you and I saw the bed up there.  Not that I mind the rug but I think we would be more comfortable up there, plus I want to check on Aiden.”

They pulled the blanket around both of them and moved up the stairs as one.  Justin peeked at the bed he had put Aiden in but then he looked at the queen sized bed.  There was Aiden in his brother’s arms.

Together they walked to their room.  They dropped the blanket and fell into bed. As they lay in each other’s arms the thunder that had started as a low rumble was now getting louder while the lightning was lighting up the sky over and over.  Justin offered his back to Brian and as Brian entered him the sky exploded with torrents of rain.

“Brian, more, please more.”

Brian didn’t need anymore encouragement.  He moved deliberately, long powerful strokes as he held onto Justin’s waist. They came closer and closer to an orgasm, an explosion of thunder shook the house and sent them both over the edge.